| Custom Formalities | Misc. Regulations | From archepilago to archepilago |
•With
its 5 docks, the Yacht quay of Papeete is able to accommodate up to 80
sailing boats.
The port maintains a security service which guards the quay 24 hours a day, 7
days a week during the high season, from April to September.
Every berth on the yachtsmen's quay is equipped with modern facilities including
water and electricity.
Garbage collection is performed periodically.
• The Taina Marina located in Punaauia is able to accommodate about 500 sailing boats or motor yachts in individual berths or “Med-moored” along a quay. One quay is intended for superyachts. Marina facilities include a fuel dock, a laundry, a harbormasters' office, restrooms, three restaurants, a technical workshop, a chandlery, wireless Internet service and many convenient stores near at hand.
• The marina of Vaiare in Moorea, is able to accommodate 120 sailing boatsor motor yachts. It is mainly inhabited by the permanent residents, and can accommodate 5 to 10 boats passing through Moorea. Themarina provides security service 24/7. On site services include water, restrooms and showers, electricity and garbage collection. Many shops are located nearby.
The Ports of Entry
S
pare parts and goodsIt is not
possible to buy duty free goods before departure, except fuel in Papeete.
Per person over 17 years of age:
- 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigares or 250 grams of tabacco,
- 2 L of wine, 2 L of spirit,
- personal effects.
Tax-free sales forms are available in most of the shops in Tahiti, if the
value of the goods you are buying is higher than 5000xpf excluding duties and
taxes. Most of the goods can be bought VAT-free except: consumable goods (food,
beverage, tobacco...); products subjected to a particular control (weapons,
unmounted pearls and germs, cars, moped, stamps...); purchase for trading
purpose ( more than 10 units of the same item is considered as a purchase for
trading purpose).Warning: this measure is interesting if your last port
of call is Papeete. If not the Regularization Process by retroactivity could be
very long and complicated. You will have to show your item in the same time that
the form is checked by the custom services.
Supply of tax free diesel fuel
As a yachtsman, you can be supplied with
tax-free diesel fuel for your boat, provided that
you comply with specific terms and conditions.
Two possible scenarios exist:
• if you don’t name anyone to legally represent you in completing the
administrative procedures to obtain diesel fuel in Papeete, you won’t be able to
get tax-free diesel until you arrive at the Port of Papeete to get
ad hoc
authorization from the PAF.
• If you appoint someone to legally represent you, you can get your tax-free
diesel fuel. But first you need to show the
ad hoc
authorization that the Port of Papeete gives to your representative. Your duly
mandated representative must deliver to the PAF agents, located at the Yachts
bureau of Papeete, a master mandatory
document, delivered and signed by the captain of the boat
and the original
customs entry declaration, completed and signed by
the yachtsman. TO
MAKE THESE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES EASIER,
A YACHT AGENT
CAN HANDLE THIS PAPERWORK FOR YOU:
HE CAN ALSO HELP TO DEAL WITH THE TAX FREE DIESEL FUEL
ISSUE.
Clearance formalities
Entry clearance formalities
have to be formally completed at the “Gendarmerie” offices in the first port of arrival:The Official clearance formalities of arrival
have to be completed in the Port Autonome de Papeete:Inter islands clearance formalities
between Tahiti and the other islands (except Moorea):Exit clearance formalities at your departure
from French Polynesia, mandatory to get tax free diesel oil:Health animal regulation
Without your knowledge, your favorite pet can carry serious diseases and
parasites that may infect human beings. It is even more likely to happen if you
have visited Central America, South America or even the United States in the
last 6 months.
For security reasons,
removing your animals from
your boat is forbidden.
Your dog, your cat and any other animal sailing with you must be confined on
board unless you obtain permit to take the animal ashore from veterinarians of
the Service for Rural Development, according to the article n°15 of the
deliberation 77-93 AT of the 10th of August, 1977.
How to get the landing authorization? The authorization after consideration
of the following documents, originals or certified true copies:
• Official document proving the date of your departure from the last country you
visited infected by rabies (all Central America, USA included, are infected).
• Official document proving the date of your arrival in French Polynesia.
• Tattoo or micro-chip ISO11784 documents
• Updated vaccination booklet
• A French Polynesian vet certificate that proves that the animal was treated
against parasites with Praziquantel with a dose of 5mg/kg (effective against
Echinococcus sp more specifically), and against ticks. At the end of a six-month
quarantine on board, the animals that have been treated as mentioned get
permission to go ashore.
Landing after a 30-days quarantine may also be possible. However you must
provide to the competent authority a certificate of
anti rabies vaccination
with:
• The animal identification number, proving he has been vaccinated for more than
6 months and less than 1 year before the scheduled date of landing.
• The test results for determining the rabies neutralisation antibody; it should
be checked in a minimum of three months after vaccination and more than three
months before the scheduled date of landing, and at a level more than 0.5 UI.
The animals who are taken ashore without permission are in violation of the
regulation. According to the law, they will automatically be seized, killed and
destroyed at the owner’s expenses.
Boat Mooring Regulation
Especially in Fakarava, pay attention
to the mooring regulation: it will be a reference for you when you will move to
the other islands.
Mooring on the coral or at less than 200 m from the shore is strictly forbidden,
and near the fish parks. Ask the Town Hall of the local authority corresponding
to the place you are interested in.
It is allowed to anchor in the mooring zones only. These zones are indicated on
the PGEM map of each atoll by sign: “ZM”. This is the location of the anchor and
not the boat’s location that shows where the vessel is moored.
Forbidden activities
Obligations
Vessels with marine toilets must be equipped with a non polluting system and
must use biodegradable detergents as from January the first, 2008.
Trash, even biodegradable, must not
be thrown into the water.
Lights & Flags
When you arrive in a port during daylight hours, you must exhibit the
international yellow Q flag or the signal D.I.F.
At night, you must turn on the day signal or show a red light
upper than a white light.
The maximum distance between the lights is 1m83 (6 feet).
You are arriving in a French Territory, so it is mandatory that you fly the
French flag.
The Polynesians appreciate when sailors also exhibit the Polynesian flag,
and the Marquesans will be very happy is you also exhibit the Marquesan flag!
Useful links
www.portdepapeete.pf
Windward islands:
Tahiti
LATITUDE 17°/18° SOUTH, LONGITUDE 149°/150° WEST
The Society islands
Level of navigation: easy.
This is the perfect place for yachting. There is no lunar tide,
most large are passes and navigation is easy at
any time (excepted at Maupiti).
A lateral buoyage system is used in the passes
and at fixed points. Moreover the
fringing coral reefs allow a safe navigation because
they protect you from the swell in the lagoons.
The buoyage system is important in the lagoons:
you will see green buoys at lagoon side and red
buoys at the land side.In addition,
you have to be careful when the sea is choppy in the channel between two islands
and beware of the shallows. In every group of islands, yachtsmen usually sail
during the day between the islands across very short distances.
It is recommended to leave before 9:00 a.m,
in order to avoid bad visibility in the passes and choose your moorings at the
end of the day.
Special sailing instructions: BETWEEN PAPEETE ET
PUNAAUIA (TAHITI) Every time you move your boat
(entering in the Port, leaving it or just changing your anchorage),
you must ask permission from the Harbour control
station on VHF 12 or at this numbers: 42 12 12 / 47 48 50,
because of the proximity with the international Airport’s runway.
The public docks in Papeete are
accessed through its channel (this can be dangerous with a north, north-west
swell running), Pass through Taunoa channel with its fishing docks.
You must contact the harbour master before your
entry in the port. You will need his
authorization before crossing the airport channel, especially for boats drawing
more than 18 ft of water. Yachts need
to fly a yellow flag and their captains must go ashore and see the port, customs
and immigrations authorities within 48 hours of arrival.
Yachts are welcome at Yacht Quay and at Bounty Quay in the center of Papeete
(water, electricity, Bathrooms are available). Administrative offices for
completion of paperwork are nearby. In this vicinity, you'll also find many
maritime suppliers and workshops where marine equipment can be purchased or
repaired. A fuel dock is nearby (close to the ferry docks). Note, however, that
in order to purchase more than 1,000
liters (250 gallons) you will need to go to the Fare Ute Gas Docks.
Outside of Papeete two other marine facilities are accessible to visitors:
Marina Taina at Punaauia with berths and quays which can accommodate vessels
of unlimited size. Facilities include: telephone, electricity, restaurants, fuel
dock and supermarket. The second is the Tahiti Yacht Club at Arue.
Berthing is available for boats up to 45ft. Anchorage space available also, as
well as a fuel dock.
You will find berthing and mooring areas all around Tahiti:
• Going around th
e west coast of the bigger island:
Outumaoro (piers and various services on land, long stays are forbidden for long
stay),Vaitupa (dock, water, safe location), Venus Point (not useable when winds
from north to south-west) and motu Aau.
• Along the peninsula: Nansouty islet, anchorage “la Boudeuse”, or
anchorage “Bougainville” (where Bougainville anchored); Faratea docks in
Taravao (docks, fresh water, fuel, grocery store); Tautira (village with water,
fuel, grocery stores, a river which can be explored and a nice) and its lagoon,
the anchorage is located at the south end, down river Aiurua, basin of Vaiau
(excursions to caves, and famous Surfspot called Teahupoo); Vairao docks (water,
fuel dock, bathroom, shops…); Phaeton docks (Tahiti Nautic Center marina,
with designated docking spots, workshops, chandlery, laundry room, bathrooms,
fuel docks, restaurants).
• Going along this big Island to the east: you’ll find anchorages in
Motuovini and Puuru islet in Papeari lagoon, Mataiea bay, and Atimaono
anchorage.
Port Autonome de Papeete
tel.:
47 48 00
PAP, emergency line tel.:
42 12 12
Harbour Control Station tel.: 47 48 50 email:
vigie@portppt.pf VHF: 12 / 16 BLU:
2638 Khz.
Yachts office tel.: 47 48 51
Immigration (PAF), marine office tel.: 42 40 74
Customs tel.: 50 55 50
Sanitary informations tel.: 54 45 85
Harbour master's office tel.: 50 54 82
Harbour Police tel.: 54 19 52
Gendarmerie, Papeete tel.: 46 73 67
Gendarmerie, Taravao tel.: 54 73 05
Marine Gendarmerie tel.: 46 52 95
Nautic Squad tel.: 80 37 00
Moorea:
Anchorages: We call Moorea the
“sister island” because of its close
proximity to Tahiti. Moorea is accessible from two different channels. To the
east, the channel between the two islands is subject to crossing swells from the
east and south, making it choppy. Plus, it is also frequently used by local
ferries and cargo ships. The main channel will bring you to the docks in Vaiare
(facilities include a marina, fresh water, electricity, laundry, bathrooms, ATM,
fuel dock, restaurants, hospital, supermarket). Safe access can also be made
through the north and northwest Channels. Attention!: Moorea has a PGEM–
Marine Management Plan– that regulates
the use of lagoon space and its resources. Check the PGEM map, which shows the
protected lagoon areas the different fishing zones. In the lagoon and protected
areas speed is limited to 5 knots.
Authorized anchorages are:
• In Cooks Bay: Mobil gas station with a pier (facilities include: water,
fuel, groceries, restaurants, shops, gendarmerie, pharmacy).
• In Opunohu Bay: a wild and beautiful. Don’t miss the excursion up to
the belvedere for an exceptional view of the two bays (Also available: horseback
riding, excursions, marae...). But watch out: no allowed in the
innermost part of the bay!
• in front of Pao Pao pharmacy, in front of Mareto beach (Entry via
Opunohu Bay) in front of Teavaro’s Town Hall.
• the little dock of Papetoai allows a short stop (dock, grocery store,
post office, a famous Octogonal temple, the oldest in Polynesia).
Town Hall Moorea tel.: 55 04 55
Vaiare harbour VHF: 12 tel.: 56 26 97
Marina Vaiare tel.: 56 45 58
Gendarmerie tel.: 55 25 05
Town police, Afareaitu tel.: 56 36 36
Town police, Papetoai tel.: 56 14 10
Fire station, Paopao tel.: 56 20 18
Tetiaroa:
This is a wonderful place. Historically, it was the royal family’s residence. Then in 1966 the atoll became Marlon Brando’s property. Even though it still belongs to his family, its lagoon is in the public domain and is accessible to sailors. Access thru the tiny channel at the east, only on clear days (no large, deep draft vessels). Anchor toward the south end close to motu Rimatuu (avoid anchorage during south wind). You can go by dingy to other motu.Maiao:
at 75 Km east of Moorea, it’s a little Paradise. But sailors and non-residents are NOT welcome on the island. No hotels or restaurants. Channels are not deep enough for large vessels. Permission to anchor in the lagoon must be obtained from the town council and visits without a specific purpose are not recommended (forbidden for more than a day).Leeward islands
Raiatea:
Taha'a:
Bora Bora:
Maupiti:
Tuamotu islands
LATITUDE 14°/23° SOUTH, LONGITUDE 135°/149° WEST
Level of navigation: caution.
Be careful when you are navigating between the atolls which are visible at
less than 10MN only: the current can be strong in the channels between the
atolls.
On the 76 Tuamotu atolls, only some of them have passes where you can enter.
On the others, when southeast wind gusts blow or when there is a heavy
swell, there can be up to 6 knots of outgoing current. In addition, a tidal bore
can be generated outside and inside the passes.
Generally speaking, it will be better to sail into the pass when the water is
slack. You will see lateral beacons in the main Tuamotu islands’ passes and
sometimes even in the channels providing access to a village. But most of the
time, in the lagoons, you will navigate
carefully, and with the sun behind you or during the midday sun.
You will have a better visibility of colors and coral heads, so you can pick out
the poito, pearl farms’ buoys.
In July and August, when strong east and southeast wind gusts blow inside some
of the big atolls, the wind raises an interior swell. It is recommended to moor
at the east.
As fresh water is very rare, we advise
you to stock up on water in the
Marquesas Islands before leaving and also to collect rainwater if the boat is
not equipped with a watermaker.
Manihi:
Fakarava:
Rangiroa:
Tikehau:
The Marquesas Islands
Nuku Hiva:
Anchorages: from October to February, the bays in the south are more
sheltered. The most popular is Taiohae with a stable, if often rolling
anchorage; and a small quay for disembarking in
a dinghy (don’t forget to drop a small stern anchor). Facilities available:
bathroom facilities, non drinking water, snack restaurant, yacht services
(washing-machines, mechanical work shop, sail-loft...).
Anchorage possible in the east of the bay. From July to September, Hakaehu in
the north is a better bet (possible to disembark at the mouth of a small river)
and Anaho (restaurant, water, fruit...) excursions to the bay of Hatiheu (statue
of the Virgin Mary at an altitude of 300m, restaurant) depending on the weather,
anchorage in the Baie du Contrôleur on the West coast.
Gendarmerie tel.: 91 03 05
Hospital, Taiohae tel.: 91 02 00
Pharmacy tel.: 91 00 90
First Aid centre, Aakapa tel.: 92 04 61
Infirmary, Taipivai tel.: 92 01 42
Infirmary, Hatiheu tel.: 92 01 43
Marine Diesel station Total tel.: 92 06 18
Nuku Hiva Yacht services tel.: 92 07 50
Ua Huka:
Anchorages: the best ones are situated in the Bays of Haavei, Vaipee and
Hane (shops, infirmary, airport)
Infirmary, Hane tel.: 92 60 58
Ua Pou:
Anchorages: Safe anchorage at Hakahau (shops, restaurants, infirmary,
Post Office, bank, airport) in the bays of Vaiehu and Uapo.
Gendarmerie tel.: 91 53 05
Dentist tel.: 92 53 58
Infirmary, Hakahau tel.: 92 53 75
Infirmary, Hakamaii tel.: 92 52 99
Infirmary, Hakatao tel.: 92 51 04
First Aid centre, Haakuti tel.: 92 54 91
First Aid centre, Hakahetau tel.: 92 55 12
Hiva Oa:
Anchorages: Atuona has a harbour (service station with wharf, drinking
water, car rental, grocery store).
At the village, 3km away, there is a medical centre, restaurants, Post office,
airport…
For a more isolated anchorage, the Bay of Takauku is near-by.
Gendarmerie tel.: 91 71 05
Medical centre tel.: 92 73 75
Dental centre tel.: 92 78 17
Infirmary, Puamau tel.: 92 74 96
First aid centre, Nahoe tel.: 92 71 70
First aid centre, Hanapaaoa tel.: 92 72 32
Gas Station Temetiu tel.: 92 71 85
Cyber Services Laundry tel.: 92 79 85
Météo France, Atuona tel.: 92 73 78
Tahuata:
Anchorages: water supplies and provisions at Vaitahu (grocery store,
infirmary, Post Office, no bank). Weather permitting, the bay of Hapatoni is to
be preferred (small quay to disembark in a dinghy, grocery store, arts and
crafts centre, marae). Splendid anchorages in front of the white sand beaches on
the northwest side of the island (Bay of Hamoenoa).
Infirmary, Vaitahu tel.: 92 92 27
First Aid centre, Hanatetena tel.: 92 92 62
First Aid centre, Motopu tel.: 92 92 36
Fatu Hiva:
Anchorages: without an airport, accessible only by sea, it is an
authentic island where life is very simple.
Omoa (at the foot of the majestic Mount Touaouoho) has an infirmary, a Post
office, a museum and a few shops. You disembark on the beach at the mouth of the
river.
Another possible anchorage is in the bay of Hanavave (magical, also called the
Bay of Virgins). Small wharf for dinghy with drinking water, grocery shop,
church, first aid centre.
Infirmary, Omoa tel.: 92 80 36
First Aid centre, Hanavave tel.: 92 80 61
